I’ve talked before about putting limits on ourselves and how that can affect us and keep us from improving in some way.
Limits come in many forms. Pulling the “old card” is something that has been done forever and probably always will be.
People love to pull this one out to justify why they can’t do something.
Or maybe it comes out as “I have x amount of injuries from back in the day, so I can’t do”… fill in the blank. Almost everyone has injuries from back in the day, but plenty choose to not use them as an excuse for their lack of motivation.
There are countless examples of “old” people doing amazing shit with their minds and bodies that are to be considered a young person’s game. And these people are no different than you or I, they just decide that they won’t let anything get in the way of what they want.
Mikhail Shivlyakov of Russia set a new world record deadlift for masters (40+) last weekend with a pull of 962#.
David Goggins, age 45 just completed the Moab 240 last week. A 240 mile footrace, and placed second.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is still jacked at the age of 73.
Now don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of legit facts when it comes to aging. Sarcopenia (atrophy with age) starts in your 3rd decade of life and accelerates every decade.
Which is why everyone should lift weights until they die.
Achy joints due to changes in weather is a real thing. Swelling and inflammation because of air pressure change happens, but just like soreness, the best way to help with that is to get moving again.
Loss of muscle pliability happens to everyone regardless of age and dependant upon activity.
But yes, years and years of avoided stretching will take its toll. Mobility techniques and stretches that are put into practice regularly can regain flexibility, you’re not doomed.
Getting on and off the toilet without help at age 80 sounds cool, but the choice is yours.
Sisu Strength Academy in Des Moines Iowa Waukee Iowa
